Biaryltetrahydroisoquinoline piperidines as selective MCH receptor antagonists for the treatment of obesity and related disorders

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses compounds which are novel antagonists for melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), as well as methods for preparing such compounds. In other aspects, the invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such MCH antagonists as well as methods of using them to treat obesity, metabolic disorders, eating disorders such as hyperphagia, and diabetes. Compounds of the invention generally have the structure:  
                 
 
     where the substituents are as defined herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/450,799 filed on Feb. 28, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to antagonists for melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and their use in the treatment of metabolic and eating disorders, novel compounds having MCH receptor modulatory activity, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more such modulators, methods of preparing such modulators and methods of using such modulators to treat obesity, diabetes and related disorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] MCH, a cyclic peptide, was first identified over a decade ago in teleost fish where it appears to regulate color change. More recently, MCH has been the subject of investigation for its possible role as a regulator of eating behavior in mammals. As reported by Shimada et al., Nature, Vol. 396 (17 Dec.1998), pp. 670-673, MCH-deficient mice have reduced body weight and leanness due to hypophagia (reduced feeding). In view of their findings, it was suggested that antagonists of MCH may be effective for the treatment of obesity. U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,830 discloses a combination therapy for the treatment of diabetes or obesity involving the administration of a metabolic rate increasing agent and a feeding behavior modifying agent, an example of the latter being an MCH antagonist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one embodiment, this invention provides novel compounds having MCH antagonist activity. These compounds are represented by structural Formula 1:

[0005] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, isomer or racemic mixture wherein

[0006] X is —CH₂—, —S(O₂)—, carbonyl, —CHCH₃ or —C(CH₃)₂—;

[0007] Y is —(CR²R³)_(P)—, —(CR²R³)_(P)C(O)NH—, —(CR²R³)_(p)NH—, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)(CR²R³)_(P)NH—, —C(O)C(O)NH— or —C(O)(CR²R³)_(P)—;

[0008] Z is aryl, heteroaryl, R⁶-substituted aryl or R⁶-substituted heteroaryl;

[0009] n is 0, 2 or 3, and when n is 0, no connecting bond exists between the two carbons adjacent to the nitrogen;

[0010] p is 1, 2 or 3;

[0011] q is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6;

[0012] r is 0 or 1 and when r is 0, X is directly linked to the aromatic ring;

[0013] R¹ is hydrogen, -acyl, -alkyl, -cycloalkyl, -alkyl substituted with cycloalkyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, —C(O)R⁵, —C(O)OR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —C(O)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl substituted with R¹⁰ on the -cycloalkyl ring, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl or —CF₃;

[0014] R² and R³ can be the same or different, each being independently hydrogen, alkoxy or alkyl; or R² and R³ can be joined together and with the carbon to which they are attached to form a 3 to 7 membered ring;

[0015] R⁴ is aryl, heteroaryl, R⁷-substituted aryl or R⁷ substituted heteroaryl or Y—R⁴ taken together is

[0016] R⁵ is alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaralkyl;

[0017] R⁶ is 1 to 5 substituents, each R⁶ can be the same or different and each is independently selected from —OH, -alkoxy, —OCF₃, —CN, -alkyl, halogen, —NR⁸R⁹, —CONR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁶, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —COR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —CF₃, —CHO, —C═NOR⁸,

[0018] —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NC(O)R¹¹, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NS(O₂)R¹² and —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NR⁸R⁹ wherein the R⁸ groups are independently selected;

[0019] R⁷ is 1 to 5 substituents, each R⁷ can be the same or different and each is independently selected from hydrogen, —OH, -alkoxy, —OCF₃, —CN, -alkyl, halogen, —NR⁸R⁹, —CONR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁶, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —COR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —CF₃, -alkyleneNR⁸R⁹, —CHO, —C═NOR⁸ and —NR⁸C(O)R⁵, or two adjacent R⁷ groups can be joined together with two O atoms to form a methylene dioxy or ethylene dioxy group, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NR⁸R⁹, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NC(O)R¹¹ and —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NS(O₂)R¹², wherein the R⁸ groups are independently selected;

[0020] R⁸ is hydrogen or -alkyl;

[0021] R⁹ is hydrogen, -alkyl, -aryl or -heteroaryl;

[0022] R¹⁰ is —OH, -alkoxy, —C(O)NR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁵, —NR⁸C(O)NR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸C(O)R⁵, —NR⁸C(O)OR⁵, —C(O)OH or —C(O)OR⁵;

[0023] R¹¹ is alkyl, aryl, alkoxy or —NR⁸R⁹; and

[0024] R¹² is alkyl, aryl or —NR⁸R⁹.

[0025] Further wherein said aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl, heteroalkyl, heteroaralkyl, alkoxy and alkyene moieties can be unsubstitited or optionally independently substituted with one or more substituents as described herein.

[0026] This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity, and eating disorders such as hyperphagia. In one aspect, this invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of obesity which comprise an obesity treating amount of a compound of Formula 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In one embodiment, the present invention discloses MCH receptor antagonists represented by structural formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, isomer or racemic mixture thereof, wherein the various moieties are described above.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of compounds of formula I, wherein X is —CH₂, —CHCH₃ or —C(CH₃)₂—.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, Y is —(CR²R³)_(P)C(O)NH—, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)(CR²R³)_(P)NH— or —C(O)C(O)NH—.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, wherein Z is aryl, heteroaryl or R⁶-substituted aryl.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, wherein n is 0 and no connecting bond exists between the two carbons adjacent to the nitrogen.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, wherein p is 1.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, wherein q is 1, 2 or 3.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, wherein r is 1.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R¹ is hydrogen, -acyl, -alkyl, -cycloalkyl, -alkyl substituted with cycloalkyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, —C(O)R⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —C(O)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, cycloalkylalkyl substituted with R¹⁰ on the -cycloalkyl ring, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, R² and R³ can be the same or different, each being independently hydrogen, alkoxy or alkyl.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R⁴ is aryl, R⁷-substituted aryl or R⁷ substituted heteroaryl or Y—R⁴ taken together is

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R⁵ is alkyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl or heteroaralkyl.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R⁶ is 1 substituent and is independently selected from —OH, -alkoxy, —OCF₃, —CN, -alkyl, halogen, —NR⁸R⁹, —CONR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁶, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —COR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —CF₃, —CHO, —C═NOR⁸,

[0040] and —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NR⁸R⁹ wherein the R⁸ groups are independently selected.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R⁷ is 1 or 2 substituents, each R⁷ can be the same or different and each is independently selected from hydrogen, —OH, -alkoxy, —OCF₃, —CN, -alkyl, halogen, —NR⁸R⁹, —CONR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁶, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —COR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —CF₃, -alkyleneNR⁸R⁹, —CHO, —C═NOR⁸ and —NR⁸C(O)R⁵, or two adjacent R⁷ groups can be joined together to form a methylene dioxy or ethylene dioxy group, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NR⁸R⁹, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NC(O)R¹¹ and —(C R⁸R⁸)_(q)NS(O₂)R¹², wherein the R⁸ groups are independently selected.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R⁸ is -alkyl.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R⁹ is hydrogen or -alkyl.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R¹⁰ is —OH, -alkoxy, —C(O)OH or —C(O)OR⁵.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R¹¹ is alkyl, aryl or alkoxy.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, wherein R¹² is alkyl or aryl.

[0047] In additional preferred embodiments of the above Formula 1: Z is cyanophenyl or pyridinyl such as cyano-3-phenyl, pyridine-3-yl or pyridine-4-yl. Additional preferred embodiments include the embodiments represented by Formula 1 wherein R⁴ is 3,5 dichlorophenyl. Compounds represented by Formula 1 wherein R¹ is -alkyl, -cycloalkyl, -aralkyl, -heteroaralkyl and -heterocyclyl are also preferred.

[0048] Still additional preferred embodiments of Formula 1 include compounds wherein: X is —S(O₂)— or X is —CH₂—.

[0049] In other preferred embodiments are the compounds of Formula 1, wherein Y is —C(R²R³)C(O)NH—. Still other preferred embodiments of the compounds of Formula 1 are wherein R² and R³ are hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy; n is 0; and r is 0; as well as compounds of Formula 1 wherein R² and R³ are hydrogen.

[0050] Preferred embodiments further include embodiments that are represented by Formula 1 wherein X is carbonyl; Y is —C(R²R³)C(O)NH— and R² and R³ are hydrogen but can, in the alternative, also be alkyl or alkoxy; n is 0 and r is 0.

[0051] Preferred compounds also include those wherein R¹ is hydrogen, -alkyl, -cycloalkyl, -alkyl substituted with -cycloalkyl, -alkyl substituted with R¹⁰, —S(O₂)R5, —C(O)R⁵ or —C(O)OR⁸; R² and R³ are hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy; n is 0; r is 1; Z is aryl or R⁶-substituted aryl and most preferably wherein R⁶ represents a single substituent.

[0052] In many preferred cases, R⁴ is 3,5 dichlorophenyl and R¹ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, cyclopentyl, propyl, —S(O₂)CH3, —C(O)CH₃, —C(O)OC(CH₃)₃, isopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl, heteroaryl or

[0053] R² and R³ are hydrogen; Z is R⁶-substituted aryl; R⁶ is 1 to 5 substituents and each is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, —CF₃, —OCF₃, —CN, —CHO, —S(O₂)R⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —COR⁵, —C(O)NR⁸R⁹,

[0054] and R⁷ is two substituents which can be the same or different and independently selected from halogen, —CN, —CF₃.

[0055] One class of preferred compounds is that in which Z is a monocyclic aryl group with a single R⁶ substituent in the meta position relative to the point of attachment to the aromatic position show in Formula 1.

[0056] In another class of preferred compounds Z is a monocyclic aryl group and R⁶ is —CN.

[0057] In still another class of preferred compounds wherein Z is a monocyclic aryl group, R⁶ is —CN and R¹ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, cyclopentyl, —S(O₂)CH3, —C(O)CH₃, isopropyl or cyclopropylmethyl.

[0058] Still yet another class of preferred compounds of Formula 1 has the structure:

[0059] wherein

[0060] Y is —(CR₂R₃)_(p)C(O)NH—;

[0061] Z is phenyl,

[0062] or any of the foregoing radicals substituted with a cyano, fluoro, chloro, methoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, formyl or a carboxyl group, or Z is a 2,5-dichlorophenyl group;

[0063] R¹ is cyclopentyl, methyl, benzyl, hydrogen, 5-hydroxy-n-pentyl, cycloheptyl, N-methylpiperidene-4-yl, 4-oxacyclohexyl, 3-thiacyclopentyl, furane-3-ylmethyl, 2-methoxybenzyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutyl, 3-phenylpropyl, isopropyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentylcarbonyl, diethylaminocarbonyl, acetyl, methylsulfonyl, dimethylaminosulfonyl, thiazole-2-ylmethyl or ethylsulfonyl; and

[0064] R⁴ is aryl, heteroaryl, R⁷-substituted aryl or R⁷ substituted heteroaryl or Y—R⁴ taken together is

[0065] wherein R⁷ is present or not and if present is independently hydrogen, chloro or fluoro.

[0066] Z is suitably selected from the following radicals:

[0067] R¹ is suitably selected from the following radicals:

[0068] Preferred compounds of Formula 1 include but are not limited to:

[0069] Except where stated otherwise, the following definitions apply throughout the present specification and claims. These definitions apply regardless of whether a term is used by itself or in combination with other terms. Hence the definition of “alkyl” applies to “alkyl” as well as to the “alkyl” portions of “alkoxy”, “cycloalkyl” and so forth.

[0070] As used above, and throughout the specification, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

[0071] “Acyl” means an H—C(O)—, alkyl-C(O)—, alkenyl-C(O)—, alkynyl-C(O)—, cycloalkyl-C(O)—, cycloalkenyl-C(O)—, or cycloalkynyl-C(O)— group in which the various groups are as previously described. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl. Preferred acyls contain a lower alkyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable acyl groups include formyl, acetyl, propanoyl, 2-methylpropanoyl, and cyclohexanoyl.

[0072] “Alkenyl” means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group comprising at least one carbon-carbon double bond and which may be straight or branched and comprising about 2 to about 15 carbon atoms in the chain. Preferred alkenyl groups have about 2 to about 12 carbon atoms in the chain; and more preferably about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain. Branched means that one or more lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, are attached to a linear alkenyl chain. “Lower alkenyl” means an alkenyl group having about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain, which may be straight or branched. The term “substituted alkenyl” means that the alkenyl group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, aryl, -cycloalkyl, cyano, and alkoxy. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkenyl groups include ethenyl, propenyl, n-butenyl, and 3-methylbut-2-enyl.

[0073] “Alkoxy” means an alkyl-O- group in which the alkyl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy and isopropoxy. The alkyl group is linked to an adjacent moiety through the ether oxygen. The term “substituted alkoxy” means that the alkyl portion of the alkoxy group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, aryl, -cycloalkyl, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, amino, —NH(alkyl), —NH(cycloalkyl), —N(alkyl)₂, carboxy and —C(O)O-alkyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and t-butyl.

[0074] “Alkoxycarbonyl” means an alkoxy group defined earlier linked to an adjacent moiety through a carbonyl. Non-limiting examples of alkoxycarbonyl groups include —C(O)—CH₃, —C(O)—CH₂CH₃ and the like.

[0075] “Alkyl” means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, which may be straight or branched and comprising about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms in the chain. Preferred alkyl groups contain about 1 to about 12 carbon atoms in the chain. More preferred alkyl groups contain about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain. Branched means that one or more lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, are attached to a linear alkyl chain. “Lower alkyl” means an alkyl group having about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain, which may be straight or branched. The term “substituted alkyl” means that the alkyl group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, aryl, -cycloalkyl, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, amino, —NH(alkyl), —NH(cycloalkyl), —N(alkyl)₂, carboxy and —C(O)O-alkyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and t-butyl.

[0076] “Alkylaryl” means an alkyl-aryl- group in which the alkyl and aryl are as previously described. Preferred alkylaryls comprise a lower alkyl group. Non-limiting example of a suitable alkylaryl groups is tolyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the aryl.

[0077] “Alkylene” means an alkanediyl group commonly having free valencies on two carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples include methylene, ethylene, propylene and the like. The term “substituted alkylene” means that the alkylene group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, aryl, -cycloalkyl, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, amino, —NH(alkyl), —NH(cycloalkyl), —N(alkyl)₂, carboxy and —C(O)O-alkyl.

[0078] “Alkylsulfinyl” means an alkyl-S(O)— group. Preferred groups are those in which the alkyl group is lower alkyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfinyl.

[0079] “Alkylsulfonyl” means an alkyl-S(O₂)— group. Preferred groups are those in which the alkyl group is lower alkyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfonyl.

[0080] “Alkylthio” means an alkyl-S— group in which the alkyl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkylthio groups include methylthio, ethylthio, i-propylthio and heptylthio. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfur.

[0081] “Alkynyl” means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group comprising at least one carbon-carbon triple bond and which may be straight or branched and comprising about 2 to about 15 carbon atoms in the chain. Preferred alkynyl groups have about 2 to about 12 carbon atoms in the chain; and more preferably about 2 to about 4 carbon atoms in the chain. Branched means that one or more lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, are attached to a linear alkynyl chain. “Lower alkynyl” means an alkynyl group having about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain, which may be straight or branched. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl and 2-butynyl. The term “substituted alkynyl” means that the alkynyl group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl and -cycloalkyl.

[0082] “Aralkenyl” means an aryl-alkenyl- group in which the aryl and alkenyl are as previously described. Preferred aralkenyls contain a lower alkenyl group. Non-limiting examples of suitable aralkenyl groups include 2-phenethenyl and 2-naphthylethenyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the alkenyl.

[0083] “Aralkoxycarbonyl” means an aralkyl-O—C(O)— group. Non-limiting example of a suitable aralkoxycarbonyl group is benzyloxycarbonyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl.

[0084] “Aralkyl” means an aryl-alkyl- group in which the aryl and alkyl are as previously described. Preferred aralkyls comprise a lower alkyl group. Non-limiting examples of suitable aralkyl groups include benzyl, 2-phenethyl and a naphthlenylmethyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the alkyl. The term “substituted aralkyl” means that the aralkyl group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, aryl, -cycloalkyl, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, amino, —NH(alkyl), —NH(cycloalkyl), —N(alkyl)₂, carboxy and —C(O)O-alkyl.

[0085] “Aralkylthio” means an aralkyl-S— group in which the aralkyl group is as previously described. Non-limiting example of a suitable aralkylthio group is benzylthio. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfur.

[0086] “Aroyl” means an aryl-C(O)— group in which the aryl group is as previously described. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable groups include benzoyl and 1- and 2-naphthoyl.

[0087] “Aryl” means an aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 6 to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably about 6 to about 10 carbon atoms. The aryl group can be unsubstituted or substituted on the ring with one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, —OCF₃, —OCOalkyl , —OCOaryl, —CF₃, heteroaryl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, heteroaralkyl, alkylheteroaryl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, acyl, aroyl, halo, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl. heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, heteroarylsulfinyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, heteroaralkylthio, -cycloalkyl and heterocyclvyl Non-limiting examples of suitable aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl. The “aryl” group can also be substituted by linking two adjacent carbons on its aromatic ring via a combination of one or more carbon atoms and one or more oxygen atoms such as, for example, methylenedioxy, ethylenedioxy, and the like.

[0088] “Aryloxy” means an aryl-O— group in which the aryl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable aryloxy groups include phenoxy and naphthoxy. The bond to the parent moiety is through the ether oxygen.

[0089] “Arylsulfinyl” means an aryl-S(O)— group. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfinyl.

[0090] “Arylsulfonyl” means an aryl-S(O₂)— group. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfonyl.

[0091] “Arylthio” means an aryl-S— group in which the aryl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable arylthio groups include phenylthio and naphthylthio. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfur.

[0092] “Cycloalkenyl” means a non-aromatic mono or multicyclic ring system comprising about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 carbon atoms which contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Preferred cycloalkenyl rings contain about 5 to about 7 ring atoms. The cycloalkenyl can be optionally substituted on the ring by replacing an available hydrogen on the ring by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, aralkenyl, heteroaralkyl, alkylheteroaryl, heteroaralkenyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, acyl, aroyl, halo, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, heteroarylsulfinyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, heteroaralkylthio, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and heterocyclyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable monocyclic cycloalkenyls include cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, and the like. Non-limiting example of a suitable multicyclic cycloalkenyl is norbornylenyl.

[0093] “Cycloalkyl” means a non-aromatic mono- or multicyclic ring system comprising about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 carbon atoms. Preferred cycloalkyl rings contain about 5 to about 7 ring atoms. The cycloalkyl can be optionaily substituted on the ring by replacing an available hydrogen on the ring by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, aralkenyl, heteroaralkyl, alkylheteroaryl, heteroaralkenyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, acyl, aroyl, halo, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, heteroarylsulfinyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, heteroaralkylthio, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and heterocyclyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable monocyclic cycloalkyls include cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable multicyclic cycloalkyls include 1-decalinyl, norbornyl, adamantyl and the like.

[0094] “Halo” means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo groups. Preferred are fluoro, chloro or bromo, and more preferred are fluoro and chloro.

[0095] “Haloalkyl” means an alkyl as defined above wherein one or more hydrogen atoms on the alkyl is replaced by a halo group defined above.

[0096] “Halogen” means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. Preferred are fluorine, chlorine or bromine, and more preferred are fluorine and chlorine.

[0097] “Heteroaralkenyl” means an heteroaryl-alkenyl- group in which the heteroaryl and alkenyl are as previously described. Preferred heteroaralkenyls contain a lower alkenyl group. Non-limiting examples of suitable heteroaralkenyl groups include 2-(pyrid-3-yl)ethenyl and 2-(quinolin-3-yl)ethenyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the alkenyl.

[0098] “Cycloalkylalkyl” means a cycloalkyl-alkyl group in which the cycloalkyl and alkyl are as previously described. Preferred cycloalkylalkyls contain a lower alkyl group. A non limiting example includes cyclopropylmethyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the alkyl. The “cycloalkylalkyl” can be optionally substituted on the ring by one or more substitutents which may be the same or different, each being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, aralkenyl, heteroaralkyl, alkylheteroaryl, heteroaralkenyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, acyl, aroyl, halo, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, heteroarylsulfinyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, heteroaralkylthio, -cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and heterocyclyl.

[0099] “Heteroaralkyl” means a heteroaryl-alkyl- group in which the heteroaryl and alkyl are as previously described. Preferred heteroaralkyls contain a lower alkyl group. Non-limiting examples of suitable aralkyl groups include pyridylmethyl, 2—(furan-3-yl)ethyl and quinolin-3-ylmethyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the alkyl. The “heteroaralkyl” can be optionally substituted on the ring by replacing an available hydrogen on the ring by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, aralkenyl, heteroaralkyl, alkylheteroaryl, heteroaralkenyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, acyl, aroyl, halo, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, heteroarylsulfinyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, heteroaralkylthio, -cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and heterocyclyl.

[0100] “Heteroaryl” means an aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 5 to about 14 ring atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 ring atoms, in which one or more of the ring atoms is an element other than carbon, for example nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, alone or in combination. Preferred heteroaryls contain about 5 to about 6 ring atoms. The “heteroaryl” can be optionally substituted on the ring by replacing an available hydrogen on the ring by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, aralkenyl, heteroaralkyl, alkylheteroaryl, heteroaralkenyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, acyl, aroyl, halo, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, heteroarylsulfinyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, heteroaralkylthio, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and heterocyclyl. The prefix aza, oxa or thia before the heteroaryl root name means that at least a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom respectively, is present as a ring atom. A nitrogen atom of a heteroaryl can be optionally oxidized to the corresponding N-oxide. Non-limiting examples of suitable heteroaryls include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrimidinyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolyl, triazolyl, and the like.

[0101] “Heterocyclyl” means a non-aromatic saturated monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 3 to about 10 ring atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 ring atoms, in which one or more of the atoms in the ring system is an element other than carbon, for example nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, alone or in combination. There are no adjacent oxygen and/or sulfur atoms present in the ring system. Preferred heterocyclyls contain about 5 to about 6 ring atoms. The prefix aza, oxa or thia before the heterocyclyl root name means that at least a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom respectively is present as a ring atom. The heterocyclyl can be optionally substituted on the ring by replacing an available hydrogen on the ring or hydrogen(s) on any nitrogen(s) suitably by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, alkylaryl, aralkenyl, heteroaralkyl, alkylheteroaryl, heteroaralkenyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aralkoxy, acyl, aroyl, halo, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylsulfinyl, arylsulfinyl, heteroarylsulfinyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, aralkylthio, heteroaralkylthio, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and heterocyclyl. The nitrogen or sulfur atom of the heterocyclyl can be optionally oxidized to the corresponding N-oxide, S-oxide or S,S-dioxide. Non-limiting examples of suitable monocyclic heterocyclyl rings include piperidyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, pyranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, morpholinyl and the like.

[0102] “Hydroxyalkyl” means a HO-alkyl- group in which alkyl is as previously defined. Preferred hydroxyalkyls contain lower alkyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable hydroxyalkyl groups include hydroxymethyl and 2-hydroxyethyl.

[0103] “Mammal” means humans and other mammalian animals.

[0104] “Patient” includes both human and other animals.

[0105] The term “optionally substituted” means optional substitution with the specified groups, radicals or moieties. It should also be noted that any heteroatom with unsatisfied valences in the text, schemes, examples, structural formulae, and Tables herein is assumed to have the hydrogen atom or atoms to satisfy the valences.

[0106] When any variable (e.g., aryl, heterocycle, R², etc.) occurs more than one time in any constituent or in Formula 1, its definition on each occurrence is independent of its definition at every other occurrence. Also, combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds.

[0107] The compounds of Formula 1 can be administered as racemic mixtures or enantiomerically pure compounds.

[0108] As used herein, the term “composition” is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

[0109] Solvates of the compounds of the invention are also contemplated herein. “Solvate” means a physical association of a compound of this invention with one or more solvent molecules. This physical association involves varying degrees of ionic and covalent bonding, including hydrogen bonding. In certain instances the solvate will be capable of isolation, for example when one or more solvent molecules are incorporated in the crystal lattice of the crystalline solid. “Solvate” encompasses both solution-phase and isolatable solvates. Non-limiting examples of suitable solvates include ethanolates, methanolates, and the like. “Hydrate” is a solvate wherein the solvent molecule is H₂O.

[0110] “Effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” is meant to describe an amount of compound of the present invention effective to treat a mammal (e.g., human) having a disease or condition mediated by MCH, and thus producing the desired therapeutic effect.

[0111] Prodrugs and solvates of the compounds of the invention are also contemplated within the scope of this invention. The term “prodrug”, as employed herein, denotes a compound that is a drug precursor which, upon administration to a subject, undergoes chemical conversion by metabolic or chemical processes to yield a compound of formula I or a salt and/or solvate thereof. A discussion of prodrugs is provided in T. Higuchi and V. Stella, Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems (1987) Volume 14 of the A.C.S. Symposium Series, and in Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, (1987) Edward B. Roche, ed., American Pharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press, both of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

[0112] The compounds of formula I can form salts, solvates and prodrugs which are also within the scope of this invention. Reference to a compound of formula I herein is understood to include reference to salts, solvates and prodrugs thereof, unless otherwise indicated.

[0113] The term “salt(s)”, as employed herein, denotes acidic salts formed with inorganic and/or organic acids, as well as basic salts formed with inorganic and/or organic bases. In addition, when a compound of Formula 1 contains both a basic moiety, such as, but not limited to a pyridine or imidazole, and an acidic moiety, such as, but not limited to a carboxylic acid, zwitterions (“inner salts”) may be formed and are included within the term “salt(s)” as used herein. Pharmaceutically acceptable (i.e., non-toxic, physiologically acceptable) salts are preferred, although other salts are also useful. Salts of the compound of the Formula 1 may be formed, for example, by reacting a compound of Formula 1 with an amount of acid or base, such as an equivalent amount, in a medium such as one in which the salt precipitates or in an aqueous medium followed by lyophilization.

[0114] Exemplary acid addition salts include acetates, adipates, alginates, ascorbates, aspartates, benzoates, benzenesulforiates, bisulfates, borates, butyrates, citrates, camphorates, camphorsulfonates, cyclopentanepropionates, digluconates, dodecylsulfates, ethanesulfonates, fumarates, glucoheptanoates, glycerophosphates, hemisulfates, heptanoates, hexanoates, hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, hydroiodides, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonates, lactates, maleates, methanesulfonates, 2-naphthalenesulfonates, nicotinates, nitrates, oxalates, pectinates, persulfates, 3-phenylpropionates, phosphates, picrates, pivalates, propionates, salicylates, succinates, sulfates, sulfonates (such as those mentioned herein), tartarates, thiocyanates, toluenesulfonates (also known as tosylates,) undecanoates, and the like. Additionally, acids which are generally considered suitable for the formation of pharmaceutically useful salts from basic pharmaceutical compounds are discussed, for example, by S. Berge et al, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (1977) 66(1) 1-19; P. Gould, International J. of Pharmaceutics (1986) 33 201-217; Anderson et al, The Practice of Medicinal Chemistry (1996), Academic Press, New York; and in The Orange Book (Food & Drug Administration, Washington, D.C. on their website). These disclosures are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

[0115] Exemplary basic salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as sodium, lithium, and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium and magnesium salts, salts with organic bases (for example, organic amines) such as benzathines, dicyclohexylamines, hydrabamines (formed with N,N-bis(dehydroabietyl)ethylenediamine), N-methyl-D-glucamines, N-methyl-D-glucamides, t-butyl amines, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine and the like. Basic nitrogen-containing groups may be quarternized with agents such as lower alkyl halides (e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chlorides, bromides and iodides), dialkyl sulfates (e.g. dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, and diamyl sulfates), long chain halides (e.g. decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides), aralkyl halides (e.g. benzyl and phenethyl bromides), and others.

[0116] All such acid salts and base salts are intended to be pharmaceutically acceptable salts within the scope of the invention and all acid and base salts are considered equivalent to the free forms of the corresponding compounds for purposes of the invention.

[0117] Compounds of Formula 1, and salts and solvates thereof, may exist in their tautomeric form (for example, as an amide or imino ether). All such tautomeric forms are contemplated herein as part of the present invention.

[0118] All stereoisomers (for example, geometric isomers, optical isomers and the like) of the present compounds (including those of the salts and solvates of the compounds), such as those which may exist due to asymmetric carbons on various substituents, including enantiomeric forms (which may exist even in the absence of asymmetric carbons), rotameric forms, atropisomers, and diastereomeric forms, are contemplated within the scope of this invention. Individual stereoisomers of the compounds of the invention may, for example, be substantially free of other isomers, or may be admixed, for example, as racemates or with all other, or other selected, stereoisomers. The chiral centers of the present invention can have the S or R configuration as defined by the IUPAC 1974 Recommendations. The use of the terms “salt”, “solvate” and the like, is intended to equally apply to the salt and solvate of enantiomers, stereoisomers, rotamers, tautomers or racemates of the inventive compounds.

[0119] Compounds of Formula 1 can be highly selective, high affinity Melanin Concentrating Hormone (MCH) receptor antagonists useful for the treatment of obesity.

[0120] Another aspect of this invention is a method of treating a mammal (e.g., human) having a disease or condition mediated by MCH by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound to the mammal.

[0121] A preferred dosage is about 0.001 to 100 mg/kg of body weight/day of the compound of Formula 1. An especially preferred dosage is about 0.01 to 30 mg/kg of body weight/day of a compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound.

[0122] Still yet another aspect of this invention is directed to a method of treating obesity comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound.

[0123] A further aspect of this invention is directed to a method for treating eating and metabolic disorders such as bulimia and anorexia comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound.

[0124] A still yet further aspect of this invention is directed to a method for treating hyperlipidemia comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound.

[0125] Another further aspect of this invention is directed to a method for treating cellulite and fat accumulation comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound.

[0126] Another aspect of this invention is directed to a method for treating type II diabetes comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound.

[0127] In addition to the “direct” effect of the compounds of this invention on the MCH subtype, there are diseases and conditions that will benefit from the weight loss such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, Type II Diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, gall stones, certain cancers, and sleep apnea.

[0128] This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions, which comprise at least one compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0129] This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of obesity which comprise an obesity treating amount of at least one compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0130] Still yet other aspects of this invention are combinations of a compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound and other compounds as described below.

[0131] Accordingly, included within the invention is a method for treating obesity comprising administering to a mammal (e.g., a female or male human)

[0132] a. an amount of a first compound, said first compound being a compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound; and

[0133] b. an amount of a second compound, said second compound being an antiobesity and/or anorectic agent such as a β₃ agonist, a thyromimetic agent, an anoretic agent, or an NPY antagonist and/or optionally a pharmaceutically carrier, vehicle or diluent, wherein the amounts of the first and second compounds result in a therapeutic effect.

[0134] Another aspect of this invention is a kit comprising:

[0135] a. an amount of a compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle or diluent in a first unit dosage form;

[0136] b. an amount of an antiobesity and/or anorectic agent such as a β₃ agonist, a thyromimetic agent, an anoretic agent, or an NPY antagonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle or diluent in a second unit dosage form; and

[0137] c. means for containing said first and second dosage forms wherein the amounts of the first and second compounds result in a therapeutic effect.

[0138] Preferred antiobesity and/or anorectic agents (taken singly or in any combination thereof) in the above combination methods, combination compositions and combination kits are:

[0139] phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phentermine, a cholecystokinin-A (hereinafter referred to as CCK-A) agonist, a monoamine reuptake inhibitor (such as sibutramine), a sympathomimetic agent, a serotonergic agent (such as dexfenfluramine or fenfluramine), a dopamine agonist (such as bromocriptine), a melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor agonist or mimetic, a melanocyte-stimulating hormone analog, a cannabinoid receptor antagonist, a melanin concentrating hormone antagonist, the OB protein (hereinafter referred to as “leptin”), a leptin analog, a leptin receptor agonist, a galanin antagonist or a GI lipase inhibitor or decreaser (such as orlistat). Other anorectic agents include bombesin agonists, dehydroepiandrosterone or analogs thereof, glucocorticoid receptor agonists and antagonists, orexin receptor antagonists, urocortin binding protein antagonists, agonists of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor such as Exendin and ciliary neurotrophic factors such as Axokine.

[0140] Another aspect of this invention is a method of treating diabetes comprising administering to a mammal (e.g., a female or male human)

[0141] a. an amount of a first compound, said first compound being a compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound; and

[0142] b. an amount of a second compound, said second compound being an aldose reductase inhibitor, a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor, a sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitor, a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitor, a dipeptidyl protease inhibitor, insulin (including orally bioavailable insulin preparations), an insulin mimetic, metformin, acarbose, a PPAR-gamma ligand such as troglitazone, rosaglitazone, pioglitazone or GW-1929, a sulfonylurea, glipazide, glyburide, or chlorpropamide wherein the amounts of the first and second compounds result in a therapeutic effect.

[0143] This invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical combination composition comprising: a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising

[0144] a first compound, said first compound being a compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound;

[0145] a second compound, said second compound being an aldose reductase inhibitor, a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor, a sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitor, a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitor, a dipeptidyl protease inhibitor, insulin (including orally bioavailable insulin preparations), an insulin mimetic, metformin, acarbose, a PPAR-gamma ligand such as troglitazone, rosaglitazone, pioglitazone, or GW-1929, a sulfonylurea, glipazide, glyburide, or chlorpropamide; and optionally a pharmaceutical carrier, vehicle or diluent.

[0146] Another aspect of this invention is a kit comprising:

[0147] a. an amount of a compound of Formula 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle or diluent in a first unit dosage form;

[0148] b. an amount of an aldose reductase inhibitor, a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor, a sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitor, a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitor, a dipeptidyl protease inhibitor, insulin (including orally bioavailable insulin preparations), an insulin mimetic, metformin, acarbose, a PPAR-gamma ligand such as troglitazone, rosaglitazone, pioglitazone, or GW-1929, a sulfonylurea, glipazide, glyburide, or chlorpropamide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, vehicle or diluent in a second unit dosage form; and

[0149] c. means for containing said first and second dosage forms wherein the amounts of the first and second compounds result in a therapeutic effect.

[0150] Preferably, the pharmaceutical preparation is in a unit dosage form. In such form, the preparation is subdivided into suitably sized unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active component, e.g., an effective amount to achieve the desired purpose.

[0151] The quantity of active compound in a unit dose of preparation may be varied or adjusted from about 1 mg to about 100 mg, preferably from about 1 mg to about 50 mg, more preferably from about 1 mg to about 25 mg, according to the particular application.

[0152] The actual dosage employed may be varied depending upon the requirements of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated. Determination of the proper dosage regimen for a particular situation is within the skill of the art. For convenience, the total daily dosage may be divided and administered in portions during the day as required.

[0153] The amount and frequency of administration of the compounds of the invention and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof will be regulated according to the judgment of the attending clinician considering such factors as age, condition and size of the patient as well as severity of the symptoms being treated. A typical recommended daily dosage regimen for oral administration can range from about 1 mg/day to about 300 mg/day, preferably 1 mg/day to 50 mg/day, in two to four divided doses.

[0154] For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds described by this invention, inert, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets and suppositories. The powders and tablets may be comprised of from about 5 to about 95 percent active ingredient. Suitable solid carriers are known in the art, e.g., magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar or lactose. Tablets, powders, cachets and capsules can be used as solid dosage forms suitable for oral administration. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and methods of manufacture for various compositions may be found in A. Gennaro (ed.), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18^(th) Edition, (1990), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.

[0155] Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions and emulsions. As an example may be mentioned water or water-propylene glycol solutions for parenteral injection or addition of sweeteners and opacifiers for oral solutions, suspensions and emulsions. Liquid form preparations may also include solutions for intranasal administration.

[0156] Aerosol preparations suitable for inhalation may include solutions and solids in powder form, which may be in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as an inert compressed gas, e.g. nitrogen.

[0157] Also included are solid form preparations that are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for either oral or parenteral administration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions and emulsions.

[0158] The compounds of the invention may also be deliverable transdermally. The transdermal compositions can take the form of creams, lotions, aerosols and/or emulsions and can be included in a transdermal patch of the matrix or reservoir type as are conventional in the art for this purpose.

[0159] The compounds of this invention may also be delivered subcutaneously.

[0160] Preferably the compound is administered orally.

[0161] Compounds of Formula 1 can be produced by processes known to those skilled in the art using either solution phase or solid phase synthesis as shown in the following reaction schemes, in the preparations and examples below.

SYNTHESIS

[0162] The invention disclosed herein is exemplified by the following preparations and examples which should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims. Alternative mechanistic pathways and analogous structures will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0163] Where NMR data are presented, ¹H spectra were obtained on either a Varian VXR-200 (200 MHz, ¹H), Varian Gemini-300 (300 MHz) or XL-400 (400 MHz) and are reported as ppm down field from Me₄Si with number of protons, multiplicities, and coupling constants in Hertz indicated parenthetically. Where LC/MS data are presented, analyses was performed using an Applied Biosystems API-100 mass spectrometer and Shimadzu SCL-10A LC column: Altech platinum C18, 3 micron, 33 mm×7 mm ID; gradient flow: 0 min-10% CH₃CN, 5 min-95% CH₃CN, 7 min-95% CH₃CN, 7.5 min-10% CH₃CN, 9 min-stop. The observed parent ion using electro spray ionization are given.

[0164] The following abbreviations are utilized throughout the experimental procedures described below:

[0165] BBr₃ means tribromo borane;

[0166] BrCH₂CONHAr means 3,5-dichlorophenyl bromoacetamide;

[0167] CH₃CN means acetonitrile;

[0168] ES MS means electro spray mass spectrometry

[0169] K₂CO₃ means potassium carbonate;

[0170] MeOH means methanol;

[0171] PhNTF₂ means N-phenyltrifluoromethane sulfonimide;

[0172] SiO₂ means silicon dioxide;

[0173] TFA means trifluoroacetic acid;

[0174] Alternative mechanistic pathways and analogous structures within the scope of the invention would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0175] Experimental Procedure:

[0176] Compound 3: To a mixture of 3-methoxyphenethylamine (0.9 g, 5.5 mmol) and N-cyclopentyl piperidine carboxaldehyde (1.0 g, 5.5 mol, 1 eq) at 0° C. was added triflouroacetic acid (5 mL) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and the contents were heated at 100° C. for 4 h. The reaction mixture was poured into crushed ice and extracted with dichloromethane (2×200 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with sodium bicarbonate solution and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product was isolated by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 5% methanol/dichloromethane as eluent to give 0.65 g of product (3) as oil: ES MS: calcd for C₂₀H₃₁N₂O⁺=315.47; found=315.1 (M+1)⁺

[0177] Compound 4: Compound 3 (0.65 g, 2.0 mmol) was dissolved in 10 mL of acetonitrile and treated with 0.65 g (1.15 eq) of 2-bromo-N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-acetamide and 1.0 g (3.6 eq) of K₂CO₃. The reaction was heated in a sealed tube at 60° C. for 3 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product was isolated by SiO₂ column eluting with 5% methanol/dichloromethane as eluent to give 0.7 g of 4 as oil. ES MS: calcd for C₂₈H₃₇Cl₂N₃O₂ ⁺=516.5; found=516.1 (M+1)⁺

[0178] Compound 5: To a solution of compound 4 (0.642 g, 1.24 mmol) in 50 mL of dichloromethane at −78° C. was added 0.35 mL of BBr₃ (3.0 eq) and the reaction was stirred at that temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 2 h. Additional 0.12 mL of BBr₃ was added at room temperture and stirred for another 3 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to −78° C. and quenched with 20 mL of MeOH and warmed to room temperature. The mixture was then heated under reflux for 30 minutes. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product was isolated by SiO₂ chromatography eluting with 10% methanol/dichloromethane as eluent to give 0.4 g of compound 5 as a light brown solid. ES MS: calcd for C₂₇H₃₄Cl₂N₃O₂ ⁺=502.48; found=502.1 (M+1)hu +

[0179] Compound 6: The phenol (0.4 g, 0.79 mmol) was dissolved in 100 mL of dichloromethane and 5 mL of triethylamine was added to get a clear solution. This solution was cooled to −78° C. and treated with N-phenyl trifluoromethane sulfonimide (2.0 g, 5.5 mmol) and stirred for 1 h. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 4 hours. 100 mL of water was added to the reaction mixture. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic layer was washed sequentially with sodium bicarbonate solution and brine. It was dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The resulting triflate was isolated by a short SiO₂ column eluting with 80% ethylacetate/hexane as eluent. ES MS: calcd for C₂₈H₃₃Cl₂F₃N₃O₄S⁺=634.54; found=634.1 (M+1)⁺

[0180] Compound 7: The triflate 6 (0.1 g, 0.157 mmol) was dissolved in 20 mL of toluene/methanol (1:1) and treated with 3-cyanophenyl boronic acid (0.05 g, 0.34 mol, 2 eq) and sodium carbonate solution (2M aq. solution, 1 mL). The reaction mixture was degassed with nitrogen for 2 minutes and treated with tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium (0.05 g, 12 mol %). The reaction was heated at 90° C. for 4 h. The solid particles were filtered off through a small pad of celite and washed with ethyl acetate. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product was isolated by SiO₂ chromatography eluting with 5% methanol/dichloromethane as eluent to get 0.04 g of product 7. ES MS: calcd for C₃₄H₃₇Cl₂N₄O⁺=587.58; found =587.1 (M+1)⁺ Compound 11 was synthesized using analogous chemical transformations. The removal of benzyl group was achieved with chloroethylchloroformate reaction.

[0181] Compound 11: To a solution of compound 10 (0.73 g, 1.2 mmol) in dichloroethane (15 mL) was added chloroethyl chloroformate (0.39 mL, 3 eq) at 0° C. and the mixture was heated under reflux for 1.5 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was redissolved in MeOH (20 mL) and heated under reflux for 1 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product was isolated by SiO₂ chromatography eluting with 4-5% methanol/dichloromethane as eluent to get 0.047 g of product 11. ES MS: calcd for C₂₉H₂₉Cl₂N₄O⁺=519.46; found=519.1 (M+1)⁺

[0182] General Procedure for Reductive Alkylation, Sulfonylation and Acylation:

[0183] 1. Reductive Alkylation

[0184] The secondary amine 11 (0.010 g, 0.019 mmol) was dissolved in dichloro-methane (anhydrous, 1 ml), treated with sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.057 mmol, 3 eq) and aldehyde/ketone (0.19mmol, 10 eq), left for stirring over night at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then treated with Amberlyst-15 ion-exchange resin (Aldrich, 0.01 g, 20eq) for 2 h. The resin was washed with dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran and methanol for 3 times. The resin was then treated with ammonia in methanol (2N, 2 ml) for 15 minutes (2 times). The resin was removed by filtration. All the solvent was removed in vacuo to give the desired product.

[0185] 2. Sulfonylation, Acylation

[0186] The secondary amine 11 (0.010 g, 0.019 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (anhydrous, 1 ml), treated with resin-bound DIEA (Argonaut, 0.006 g, 10 eq) and acetyl chloride/sulfonyl chloride (0.19 mmol, 10 eq), left for stirring over night at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then treated with resin-bound isocyanate (Argonaut, 0.002 g, 12 eq) for 2 h. The resin was removed by filtration. All the solvent was removed in vacuo to give the desired product.

[0187] Compound 12a: Compound 11 (0.010 g, 0.019 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (anhydrous, 1 ml), treated with sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.057 mmol, 3 eq) and tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (0.19 mmol, 10 eq), left for stirring over night at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then treated with Amberlyst-15 ion-exchange resin (Aldrich, 0.01 g, 20 eq) for 2 h. The resin was washed with dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran and methanol for 3 times. The resin was then treated with ammonia in methanol (2N, 2 ml) for 15 minutes (2 times). The resin was removed by filtration. All the solvent was removed in vacuo to get 0.0085 g of product 12a. ES MS: calcd for C₃₄H₃₇Cl₂N₄O₂ ⁺=603.58; found=603.1 (M+1)⁺

[0188] Compound 12b: Compound 11 (0.010 g, 0.019 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (anhydrous, 1 ml), treated with resin-bound DIEA (Argonaut, 0.006 g, 10 eq) and acetyl chloride (0.19 mmol, 10 eq), left for stirring over night at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then treated with resin-bound isocyanate (Argonaut, 0.002 g, 12 eq) for 2 h. The resin was removed by filtration. All the solvent was removed in vacuo to get 0.0122 g of product (12b). ES MS: calcd for C₃₁H₃₁Cl₂N₄O₂ ⁺=561.5; found=561.1 (M+1)⁺

[0189] Compound 12c: Compound 11 (0.010 g, 0.019 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (anhydrous, 1 ml), treated with resin-bound DIEA (Argonaut, 0.006 g, 10 eq) and methane sulfonyl chloride (0.19 mmol, 10 eq), left for stirring over night at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then treated with resin-bound isocyanate (Argonaut, 0.002 g, 12 eq) for 2 h. The resin was removed by filtration. All the solvent was removed in vacuo to get 0.0069 g of product 12c. ES MS: calcd for C₃₀H₃₁Cl₂N₄O₃S⁺=597.56; found=597.1 (M+1)⁺

[0190] MCH Receptor Binding Assay:

[0191] Membranes from CHO cells expressing the MCH receptor were prepared by lysing cells with 5 mM HEPES for 15 min at 4C. Cell lysates were centrifuged (12.5000×g, 15 min) and the pellet was resuspended in 5 mM HEPES. For each 96-well plate (Microlite, Dynex Technologies), 1 mg of cell membranes were incubated with 10 mg of wheat germ agglutinin SPA beads (Amersham) for 5 min at 4 C in a volume of 10 ml of binding buffer (25 mM HEPES, 10 mM MGCl₂, 10 mM NaCl, 5 mM MnCl₂, 0.1% BSA). The membrane/bead mixture was centrifuged (1500×g, 3.5 min), the supernatant was aspirated, and the pellet was resuspended in 10 ml binding buffer. The centrifugation, aspiration and resuspension were then repeated. The membrane/bead mixture (100 μl) was then added to 96-well plates containing 50 μl of 500 pM [¹²⁵I]-MCH (NEN) and 50 ml of the appropriate concentration of compound (4X the desired final concentration). Nonspecific binding was determined by including 1 μM MCH in the binding reaction. The binding reaction was incubated at room temperature for 2 h. Plates were then analyzed in a TOPCOUNT microplate scintillation counter (Packard). Data was analyzed and Ki values for the compounds of Formula 1 were determined using GraphPad Prim.

[0192] Following the above procedures, compounds of Formula 1 having the structure shown in Table 1 were prepared. TABLE 1 Examples 1-45 MOL MOL Obsd EX MOLSTRUCTURE FORMULA WGT m/z  1

C₃₄H₃₆Cl₂N₄O 587.598 587.1  2

C₃₃H₃₇Cl₂N₃O 562.588 562.1  3

C₃₄H₃₇Cl₂N₄O 587.598 587.1  4

C₃₃H₃₆Cl₂FN₃O 580.579 580.1  5

C₃₃H₃₆Cl₃N₃O 597.033 597.1  6

C₃₄H₃₉Cl₂N₃O₂ 592.615 592.1  7

C₃₄H₃₆Cl₂F₃N₃O 630.587 630.1  8

C₃₄H₃₆Cl₂F₃N₃O₂ 646.586 646.1  9

C₃₄H₃₇Cl₂N₃O₂ 590.599 590.1 10

C₃₃H₃₅Cl₄N₃O 631.478 631.1 11

C₃₆H₃₈Cl₂N₄O 613.636 613.1 12

C₃₂H₃₆Cl₂N₄O 563.576 563.1 13

C₃₁H₃₅Cl₂N₃OS 568.614 568.1 14

C₃₆H₃₉Cl₂N₅O 628.651 628.1 15

C₃₁H₃₆Cl₂N₄O 551.565 551.1 16

C₃₂H₃₆Cl₂N₄O 563.576 563.1 17

C₃₀H₃₀Cl₂N₄O 533.506 533.1 18

C₃₄H₃₇Cl₂N₃O₃ 606.598 606.1 19

C₃₆H₃₄Cl₂N₄O 609.605 609.1 20

C₂₉H₂₈Cl₂N₄O 519.479 519.1 21

C₃₄H₃₈Cl₂N₄O₂ 605.614 605.1 22

C₃₆H₄₀Cl₂N₄O 615.652 615.1 23

C₃₅H₃₉Cl₂N₅O 616.64 616.1 24

C₃₄H₃₆Cl₂N₄O₂ 603.589 603.1 25

C₃₃H₃₄Cl₂N₄OS 605.635 605.1 26

C₃₄H₃₂Cl₂N₄O₂ 599.566 599.1 27

C₃₇H₃₆Cl₂N₄O₂ 639.631 639.2 28

C₃₃H₃₄Cl₂N₄O 573.571 573.1 29

C₃₃H₃₄Cl₂N₄O 573.571 573.1 30

C₃₈H₃₈Cl₂N₄O 637.659 637.2 31

C₃₂H₃₄Cl₂N₄O 561.56 561.1 32

C₃₅H₃₈Cl₂N₄O 601.625 601.1 33

C₃₅H₃₆Cl₂N₄O₂ 615.609 615.1 34

C₃₄H₃₇Cl₂N₅O₂ 618.612 618.1 35

C₃₁H₃₀Cl₂N₄O 561.516 561.1 36

C₃₀H₃₀Cl₂N₄O₃S 597.569 597.1 37

C₃₁H₃₃Cl₂N₅O₃S 626.61 626.1 38

C₃₃H₃₁Cl₂N₅OS 616.618 616.1 39

C₃₁H₃₂Cl₂N₄O₃S 611.596 611.1 40

C₃₅H₃₂Cl₂N₄O 595.578 595.1 41

C₃₅H₃₂Cl₂N₄O 595.578 595.1 42

C₃₆H₃₅N₅ 537.70 538.1 43

C₃₆H₃₃Cl₂N₅ 606.59 606.1 44

C₃₀H₂₉Cl₂N₅ 530.49 530.1 45

C₃₆H₃₃ClFN₅ 590.13 590.3

[0193] The compounds of Formula 1 exhibit MCH receptor antagonizing activity, which been correlated with pharmaceutical activity for treating disorders such as obesity hyperphagia, and diabetes, as well as eating disorders generally.

[0194] The compounds of Examples 1-45 (structures shown in Table 1) were tested for MCH receptor antagonizing activity as described above. Dissociation constants for particularly preferred compounds appear in Table 2. Results for other compounds appear in Table 3 where the compounds are rated “A” for Ki values of from 1 nM to 100 nM, “B” for Ki values of from greater than 100 nM to less than 500 nM and “C” for Ki values greater than 500 nM. TABLE 2 MCH Receptor Activity (Preferred Compounds) Example Ave No. MOLSTRUCTURE KiMCH  1

11.2 12

24 16

23 17

22 19

23 20

26 21

6.8 22

10 24

6.4 25

7 26

14 27

16 28

9.3 29

15 32

10

[0195] TABLE 3 MCH Receptor Antagonist Activity Compound Av. MCH of Example Ki 2 B 3 B 4 A 5 A 6 A 7 B 8 A 9 A 10 A 11 C 13 B 14 A 15 B 18 C 19 A 23 A 30 A 31 A 33 C 34 B 35 C 36 C 37 B 38 B 39 C 40 C 41 C 42 B 43 A 44 B 45 A 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound represented by the structural formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, isomer or racemic mixture wherein X is —CH₂—, —S(O₂)—, carbonyl, —CHCH₃ or —C(CH₃)₂—; Y is —(CR²R³)_(P)—, —(CR²R³)_(P)C(O)NH—, —(CR²R³)_(P)NH—, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)(CR²R³)_(P)NH—, —C(O)C(O)NH— or —C(O)(CR²R³)_(P)—; Z is aryl, heteroaryl, R⁶-substituted aryl or R⁶-substituted heteroaryl; n is 0, 2 or 3, and when n is 0, no connecting bond exists between the two carbons adjacent to the nitrogen; p is 1, 2 or 3; q is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; r is 0 or 1 and when r is 0, X is directly linked to the aromatic ring; R¹ is hydrogen, -acyl, -alkyl, -cycloalkyl, -alkyl substituted with cycloalkyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, —C(O)R⁵, —C(O)OR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —C(O)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —S(O₂) NR⁸R⁹, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl substituted with R¹⁰ on the -cycloalkyl ring, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl or —CF₃; R² and R³ can be the same or different, each being independently hydrogen, alkoxy or alkyl; or R² and R³ can be joined together and with the carbon to which they are attached to form a 3 to 7 membered ring; R⁴ is aryl, heteroaryl, R⁷-substituted aryl or R⁷ substituted heteroaryl or Y—R⁴ taken together is

R⁵ is alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or heteroaralkyl; R⁶ is 1 to 5 substituents, each R⁶ can be the same or different and each is independently selected from —OH, -alkoxy, —OCF₃, —CN, -alkyl, halogen, —NR⁸R⁹, —CONR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁶, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —COR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —CF₃, —CHO, —C═NOR⁸,

—(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NC(O)R¹¹, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NS(O₂)R¹² and —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NR⁸R⁹ wherein the R⁸ groups are independently selected; R⁷ is 1 to 5 substituents, each R⁷ can be the same or different and each is independently selected from hydrogen, —OH, -alkoxy, —OCF₃, —CN, -alkyl, halogen, —NR⁸R⁹, —CONR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁶, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —COR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —CF₃, -alkyleneNR⁸R⁹, —CHO, —C═NOR⁸ and —NR⁸C(O)R⁵, or two adjacent R⁷ groups can be joined together with two O atoms to form a methylene dioxy or ethylene dioxy group, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NR⁸R⁹, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NC(O)R¹¹ and —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NS(O₂)R¹², wherein the R⁸ groups are independently selected; R⁸ is hydrogen or -alkyl; R⁹ is hydrogen, -alkyl, -aryl or -heteroaryl; R¹⁰ is —OH, -alkoxy, —C(O)NR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁵, —NR⁸C(O)NR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸C(O)R⁵, —NR⁸C(O)OR⁵, —C(O)OH or —C(O)OR⁵; R¹¹ is alkyl, aryl, alkoxy or —NR⁸R⁹; and R¹² is alkyl, aryl or —NR⁸R⁹.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X is —CH₂, —CHCH₃ or —C(CH₃)₂—.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Y is —(CR²R³)_(P)C(O)NH—, —C(O)NH—, —C(O)(CR²R³)_(P)NH— or —C(O)C(O)NH—.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Z is aryl, heteroaryl or R⁶-substituted aryl.
 5. A compound according to claim 1 wherein n is 0 and no connecting bond exists between the two carbons adjacent to the nitrogen.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 wherein p is
 1. 7. A compound according to claim 1 wherein q is 1, 2 or
 3. 8. A compound according to claim 1 wherein r is
 1. 9. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹ is hydrogen, -acyl, -alkyl, -cycloalkyl, -alkyl substituted with cycloalkyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, —C(O)R⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —C(O)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, cycloalkylalkyl substituted with R¹⁰ on the -cycloalkyl ring, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl.
 10. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R² and R³ can be the same or different, each being independently hydrogen, alkoxy or alkyl.
 11. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁴ is aryl, R⁷-substituted aryl or R⁷ substituted heteroaryl or Y—R⁴ taken together is


12. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁵ is alkyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl or heteroaralkyl.
 13. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁶ is 1 substituent and is independently selected from —OH, -alkoxy, —OCF₃, —CN, -alkyl, halogen, —NR⁸R⁹, —CONR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁶, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —COR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —CF₃, —CHO, —C═NOR⁸,

and —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NR⁸R⁹ wherein the R⁸ groups are independently selected.
 14. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁷ is 1 or 2 substituents, each R⁷ can be the same or different and each is independently selected from hydrogen, —OH, -alkoxy, —OCF₃, —CN, -alkyl, halogen, —NR⁸R⁹, —CONR⁸R⁹, —NR⁸S(O₂)R⁶, —S(O₂)NR⁸R⁹, —S(O₂)R⁵, —COR⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —CF₃, -alkyleneNR⁸R⁹, —CHO, —C═NOR⁸ and —NR⁸C(O)R⁵, or two adjacent R⁷ groups can be joined together to form a methylene dioxy or ethylene dioxy group, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NR⁸R⁹, —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NC(O)R¹¹ and —(CR⁸R⁸)_(q)NS(O₂)R¹², wherein the R⁸ groups are independently selected.
 15. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁸ is -alkyl.
 16. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R⁹ is hydrogen or -alkyl.
 17. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹⁰ is —OH, -alkoxy, —C(O)OH or —C(O)OR⁵.
 18. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹¹ is alkyl, aryl or alkoxy.
 19. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹² is alkyl or aryl.
 20. The compound of claim 1, wherein Z is cyanophenyl or pyridinyl.
 21. The compound of claim 20, wherein Z is cyano-3-phenyl.
 22. The compound of claim 20, wherein Z is pyridine-3-yl.
 23. The compound of claim 20, wherein Z is pyridine-4-yl.
 24. The compound of claim 1, wherein R⁴ is 3,5 dichlorophenyl.
 25. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is -alkyl, -cycloalkyl, -aralkyl, -heteroaralkyl or -heterocyclyl.
 26. The compound of claim 1 wherein X is —S(O₂)—.
 27. The compound of claim 1, wherein Y is —C(R²R³)C(O)NH—.
 28. The compound of claim 1, wherein R² and R³ are hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy; n is 0; and r is
 0. 29. The compound of claim 1 wherein R² and R³ are hydrogen.
 30. The compound of claim 1 wherein: X is carbonyl; Y is —C(R²R³)C(O)NH—; R² and R³ are hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy; n is 0 and r is
 0. 31. The compound of claim 30 wherein R² and R³ are hydrogen.
 32. The compound of claim 1 wherein X is —CH₂—.
 33. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is hydrogen, -alkyl, -cycloalkyl, -alkyl substituted with -cycloalkyl, -alkyl substituted with R¹⁰, —S(O₂)R⁵, —C(O)R⁵ or —C(O)OR⁸; R² and R³ are hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy; n is 0; r is 1; and Z is aryl or R⁶-substituted aryl.
 34. The compound of claim 24 wherein R¹ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, cyclopentyl, propyl, —S(O₂)CH₃, —C(O)CH₃, —C(O)OC(CH₃)₃, isopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl, heteroaryl or

R² and R³ are hydrogen; Z is R⁶-substituted aryl; R⁶ is 1 to 5 substituents and each is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, —CF₃, —OCF₃, —CN, —CHO, —S(O₂)R⁵, —C(O)OR⁸, —COR⁵, —C(O)NR⁸R⁹,

and R⁷ is two substituents which can be the same or different and independently selected from halogen, —CN, —CF₃.
 35. The compound of claim 34 wherein R⁶ represents a single substituent.
 36. The compound of claim 35 wherein Z is a monocyclic aryl group and R⁶ is at a meta position of Z relative to the point of attachment to the aromatic position show in Formula
 1. 37. The compound of claim 36 wherein R⁶ is —CN.
 38. The compound of claim 37 wherein R¹ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, cyclopentyl, —S(O₂)CH₃, —C(O)CH₃, isopropyl or cyclopropylmethyl.
 39. The compound of claim 1 having the structural formula:

wherein Y is —(CR₂R₃)_(P)C(O)NH—; Z is phenyl,

or any of the foregoing radicals substituted with a cyano, fluoro, chloro, methoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, formyl or a carboxyl group, or Z is a 2,5-dichlorophenyl group; R¹ is cyclopentyl, methyl, benzyl, hydrogen, 5-hydroxy-n-pentyl, cycloheptyl, N-methylpiperidene-4-yl, 4-oxacyclohexyl, 3-thiacyclopentyl, furane-3-ylmethyl, 2-methoxybenzyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutyl, 3-phenylpropyl, isopropyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentylcarbonyl, diethylaminocarbonyl, acetyl, methylsulfonyl, dimethylaminosulfonyl, thiazole-2-ylmethyl or ethylsulfonyl; and R⁴ is aryl, heteroaryl, R⁷-substituted aryl or R⁷ substituted heteroaryl or Y—R⁴ taken together is

wherein R⁷ is present or not and if present is independently hydrogen, chloro or fluoro.
 40. A compound selected from the group consisting of:


41. A method of treating a metabolic disorder, an eating disorder or diabetes comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 1 to a patient in need of such treatment.
 42. A method of treating a metabolic disorder, an eating disorder or diabetes comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 39 to a patient in need of such treatment.
 43. A method of treating a metabolic disorder, an eating disorder or diabetes comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 40 to a patient in need of such treatment.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein said eating disorder is hyperphagia.
 45. The method of claim 43 wherein said metabolic disorder is obesity.
 46. A method of treating a disorder associated with obesity comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound.
 47. A method of treating a disorder associated with obesity comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 39, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound.
 48. The method of claim 46 wherein said disorder associated with obesity is at least one of type II diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia or hypertension.
 49. The method of claim 47 wherein said disorder associated with obesity is at least one of type II diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia or hypertension.
 50. A method of treating an eating disorder which comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an amount of a first compound, said first compound being a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound; and a second compound, said second compound being an antiobesity and/or anorectic agent selected from the group consisting of a β₃ agonist, a thryomimetic agent, an anorectic agent and an NPY antagonist; wherein the amounts of the first and second compounds result in a therapeutic effect.
 51. A method of treating an eating disorder which comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an amount of a first compound, said first compound being a compound of claim 39, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound; and a second compound, said second compound being an antiobesity and/or anorectic agent selected from the group consisting of a β₃ agonist, a thryomimetic agent, an anorectic agent and an NPY antagonist; wherein the amounts of the first and second compounds result in a therapeutic effect.
 52. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of: a first compound, said first compound being a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound; a second compound, said second compound being an antiobesity and/or anorectic agent selected from the group consisting of a β₃ agonist, a thryomimetic agent, an anorectic agent and NPY antagonist; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 53. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of: a first compound, said first compound being a compound of claim 39, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound; a second compound, said second compound being an antiobesity and/or anorectic agent selected from the group consisting of a β₃ agonist, a thryomimetic agent, an anorectic agent and NPY antagonist; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 54. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of: a first compound, said first compound being a compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound; a second compound, said second compound selected from the group consisting of an aldose reductase inhibitor, a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor, a sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitor, a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitor, a dipeptidyl protease inhibitor, insulin, an insulin mimetic, metformin, acarbose, troglitazone, rosaglitazone, pioglitazone, GW-1929, a sulfonylurea, glipazide, glyburide, and chlorpropamide; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 55. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of: a first compound, said first compound being a compound of claim 39, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound; a second compound, said second compound selected from the group consisting of an aldose reductase inhibitor, a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor, a sorbitol dehydrogenase inhibitor, a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitor, a dipeptidyl protease inhibitor, insulin, an insulin mimetic, metformin, acarbose, troglitazone, rosaglitazone, pioglitazone, GW-1929, a sulfonylurea, glipazide, glyburide, and chlorpropamide; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 56. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 1 in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 57. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 39 in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 58. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim 40 in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 59. A process for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising combining at least one compound of claim 1, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 60. A process for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising combining at least one compound of claim 39, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 